The Libyan Navy has firmly rejected reports by European NGOs claiming that Libyan coastguard units opened fire on migrant boats in the central Mediterranean, describing the allegations as “baseless and politically motivated.”
The reports, which allegedly document over 60 incidents of gunfire or dangerous manoeuvres by Libyan vessels, were dismissed as part of a “disinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing the country’s image.”
In comments to Agenzia Nova, a Libyan naval officer said, “There is no evidence that the Libyan Coast Guard carried out hostile or violent acts against migrants.” He added that “reports by some European institutions lack credibility, especially when issued by politically affiliated organisations.”
The officer admitted that “isolated individual acts may occur but do not represent the Libyan state, navy, or coastguard,” while criticising international media for focusing solely on negative incidents. “Why do they highlight alleged shootings but ignore the hundreds of rescue operations we perform—often at night, in harsh weather, and with limited resources?” he asked.
He also clarified the distinction between Libya’s maritime agencies, explaining that the Coast Guard operates under the Ministry of Defence, while the General Directorate for Coastal Security belongs to the Ministry of Interior. “Confusing the two only fuels misunderstanding that harms Libya’s image,” he said.
The officer condemned what he called “mounting EU pressure,” arguing that “Libya is not the problem but the victim of a broken system.” He said the real crisis lies in countries of origin suffering from “corruption, poverty, and unemployment,” which push waves of migrants northward.
His remarks followed renewed controversy after reports that a Libyan patrol boat fired on a fishing vessel carrying 140 migrants south-east of Malta, injuring five. Both the Libyan and Maltese navies denied involvement.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Libya intercepted 20,434 migrants in 2025, including 747 minors. The IOM reiterated that Libya cannot be considered a safe port for rescued migrants.